Device and method for forming tampon

ABSTRACT

A device and procedure for forming a rosette shaped tampon from a closed tubular sack or overwrap containing a resilient absorptive aggregate. In its apparatus aspects, the invention contemplates the provision of a cylindrical holding chamber into which the tubular sack is inserted, means for drawing a vacuum on the holding chamber, a reciprocating tubular plunger movable axially within the holding chamber, means to selectively apply vacuum and air under pressure to the tubular plunger, the plunger sequentially acting to guide the tubular sack into the holding chamber, displace the distal end of the sack inwardly to form it into rosette shape, and thereafter eject the shaped tampon from the holding chamber, the tubular plunger containing an ejector rod acting to displace the tampon from the plunger upon ejection from the holding chamber. In its process aspects, the invention contemplates the sequential manipulative steps for forming the aggregate-containing sack into rosette shape, including the radial expansion of the annular wall surface of the sack and the displacement of the enclosed absorptive aggregate toward the annular wall surface of the sack to assist in defining a centrally disposed cavity within the sack to facilitate the inward displacement of the distal end of the sack to form the structure into a rosette.

United States Patent 1 [111 3,875,615 Muckenfuhs Apr. 8, 1975 l l DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING tampon from a closed tubular sack or overwrap con- TAMPON taining a resilient absorptive aggregate. In its apparatus aspects. the invention contemplates the provision [75] Inventor' a & :;rg;g of a cylindrical holding chamber into which the tubular sack is inserted. means for drawing a vacuum on [73] Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company, the holding chamber, a reciprocating tubular plunger Cincinnati. Ohio movable axially within the holding chamber. means to 7 selectively apply vacuum and air under pressure to the Filed Sept tubular plunger, the plunger sequentially acting to l2l] Appl. No.: 400,620 guide the tubular sack into the holding chamber. dis- [52] U.S. Cl. l9/l44.5 [51] int. Cl A61] 15/00 [581 Field of Search l9/l44.5; l28/285. 290 R.

l28/27t), 290 P. 290 B; 53/!3, 204

[56! References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 313L435 5/1964 Cloots et al l9/l44.5 3.606.643 9/l97l Mooney l9/l44.5

Primary Examiner-Dorsey Newton Attorney. Agent. or FirtttMelville. Strasser. Foster & Hoffman ABSTRACT A device and procedure for forming a rosette shaped place the distal end of the sack inwardly to form it into rosette shape, and thereafter eject the shaped tampon from the holding chamber. the tubular plunger containing an ejector rod acting to displace the tampon from the plunger upon ejection from the holding chamber. In its process aspects, the invention contemplates the sequential manipulative steps for forming the aggregate-containing sack into rosette shape. including the radial expansion of the annular wall surface of the sack and the displacement of the enclosed absorptive aggregate toward the annular wall surface of the sack to assist in defining a centrally disposed cavity within the sack to facilitate the inward displacement of the distal end of the sack to form the structure into a rosette.

45 Claims. ll Drawing Figures i i-3ft PMENTEU 3.875.615 szwangg PF-TENTEU APR 81975 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING TAMPON BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the manufacture of tampons and more particularly to the formation of a rosette shaped tampon from a closed tubular sack or overwrap containing an absorptive aggregate. Tampons of the type with which this invention is concerned are fully disclosed in the commonly owned. co-pending application entitled Catamcnial Aggregate Absorbent Body." U.S. Ser. No. 358.773. tiled May 9. I973. now US. Pat. No. 3.8l5.6()l, issued June 11. 1974. In accordance with the teachings of said application. the tampon comprises an aggregate composed of individual pieces of absorbent foam-like material loosely encased within a flexible fluid-permeable overwrap. The overwrap is in the nature ofa tubular sack closed at its opposite ends. as by gathering the ends radially inwardly and fastening them to form end closures. A withdrawal string is attached to one end of the overwrap to facilitate removal of the tampon subsequent to use.

The rosette shape is effected by displacing inwardly the distal end of the sack. i.e.. the end opposite the withdrawal string. to form a cavity in the overwrap. There is thus formed a tampon wherein the absorbent aggregate is encased by an overwrap having an exterior portion forming the exterior surface of the tampon and a re-entrant portion forming the surface of the cavity. The rosette shape is advantageous because of its greater lateral spread when subjected to forces normal to the tampon's longitudinal axis and it also provides a larger periphery for a given amount of absorptive aggregate than a tampon without a cavity in the middle. e.g.. a cylindrical tampon. Subsequent to the formation of the tampon into rosette shape. it is radially compressed and enclosed in a tube-type inserter by means of which it can be inserted into a vagina. as will be understood by those familiar with the tampon art.

The present invention is. however. concerned with the formation of the tampon structure into rosette shape. with particular reference to apparatus and procedures by means of which the tubular sack and its contents may be uniformly formed into rosette shape in an essentially automatic and continuous fashion. thereby facilitating the mass production of the tampons.

RESUME OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention. a device is pro vided which will automatically form a rosette shaped tampon from a closed tubular sack or overwrap containing absorptive aggregate. the device being adapted for use either in a semiautomatic production line in which the tampons are manually fed into the device and manually recovered upon ejection from the device. or as a component of an automated production line wherein the tampons are automatically fed to the device and automatically recovered upon ejection for subsequent processing operations.

The device is provided with a cylindrical holding chamber into which the tubular sacks are inserted one at a time. Means are provided to draw a vacuum on the lower portion at least of the holding chamber. An axially movable tubular plunger projects upwardly through the closed bottom of the chamber. the plunger having an open upper end. its lowermost end being connected to valve means for selectively connecting the plunger to a source of vacuum and to a source of air under pressure. Vacuum is initially drawn on the plunger so that it will engage and grip the undersurface of the tubular sack. Pneumatic cylinders are arranged to reciprocate the plunger upon actuation of the device. the plunger first moving downwardly to guide the sack into fully seated position within the chamber and then reversing direction to fold the sack into rosette shape and then eject it from the chamber. The plunger also preferably contains a spring-biased ejector rod which is displaced upwardly by air under pressure to engage the rosette and assist in its removal from the tubular plunger upon ejection from the holding chamber subsequent to the forming operation.

The invention further contemplates the sizing and shaping of the tubular sack and its contents to insure substantially uniform distribution of the aggregate within the overwrap upon the inward displacement of the distal end of the sack to form it into a rosette. To this end. as the tubular sack is drawn into the holding chamber by the vacuum drawn on the cylindrical wall surface of the holding chamber. such vacuum acts to expand the tubular wall surface of the overwrap outwardly into contact with the wall surface ofthe holding chamber. The vacuum so-drawn also acts upon the enclosed aggregate. drawing it outwardly toward the expanded wall surface of the sack. Since the vacuum acts uniformly about the periphery of the sack. a core of aggregate is effectively formed. thereby insuring essentially uniform distribution of the aggregate and at the same time facilitating the formation of the centrally disposed cavity as the distal end of the sack is displaced or folded inwardly. In addition. as the distal end of the sack is displaced inwardly. the displacement will be substantially uniform around the periphery of the sack due to the holding force exerted on the annular wall surface of the sack by the vacuum in the chamber. the progressive inward displacement of the distal end of the sack acting to progressively peel the sack from the cylindrical wall surface of the holding chamber. Consequently. the rosette will be symmetrically formed with the contained aggregate substantially uniformly distributed between its interior and exterior surfaces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevational view of a forming device in accordance with the invention. the device being in its initial or first position of use.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the device in its second position of use in which the plunger is in its lowermost position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but with the plunger in its third or ejection position and with its ejector rod extended.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken from the right side of FIG. 1 with the plunger in its initial position.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a tampon structure in its initial sack-like configuration with the overwrap partially cut away to illustrate the enclosed aggregate.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the holding chamber taken along the line 66 of FIG. 4 illustrating the initial placement of the sacklike tampon structure therein.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the tampon structure in its fully seated position within the holding chamber.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are also enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional views similar to FIG. 6 illustrating successive stages in the formation of the tampon structure into rosette shape and its ejection from the device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tampon structure upon discharge from the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 4, the device comprises a table or similar work surface which is mounted on a vertical support II by means of brackets 12. The nature of the support 11 does not constitute a limitation on the invention. its sole purpose being to provide a suitable supporting frame for the device. An elongated mounting arm l3 projects downwardly from the underside of the table. the arm having a plate 14 bolted thereto to which horizontally disposed mounting bracket I5 is fixedly secured. Bracket 15 mounts the holding chamber. which is generally indicated at l6, the holding chamber 16 projecting upwardly through an opening 17 in the table 10.

The holding chamber 16 has an outer annular sleeve l8 closed at its lower end by a base 19, and a vacuum conduit 20 projects laterally from one side of the outer sleeve 18. An inner annular sleeve 21 lies concentrically within and spaced from the outer sleeve IS. the inner sleeve projecting downwardly through base 19 into bracket 15 where it seats against surface 22 which defines a bottom wall for the holding chamber. The inner sleeve projects upwardly beyond the upper edge of the outer sleeve IS. the annular space 23 between the inner and outer sleeves being closed by a cap member 24. If desired. a sizing sleeve 25 may be inserted in the upper end of the inner sleeve 21, the sizing sleeve preferably terminating short of the spaced apart perforations 26 which extend throughout the periphery of the lower portion of the inner sleeve 2] to define an annular array of vacuum ports between the interior of the inner sleeve and the annular space 23. Thus. when a vacuum is drawn on the conduit 20, as indicated by the arrow V. the interior of the inner sleeve will define a vacuum chamber 27. By uniformily spacing the perforations 26 about the periphery of the inner sleeve. the vacuum will be essentially uniform throughout the periphery of the perforated portion of the sleeve. While perforations are preferred, it will be evident that the inner sleeve could be formed from other foraminous materials.

A tubular plunger 28 projects upwardly through the bracket 15 and base 19 of the holding chamber 16, the plunger being slidably journaled in mounting bracket 15 by means of a bearing member 29 which also acts as a gasket to effectively seal the bottom of the vacuum chamber 27 against the exchange of atmosphere. The plunger 28 is also slidably journaled in a lower mounting bracket 30 secured to the lowermost end of the plate 14. At its lowermost end. the tubular plunger is provided with a suitable fitting 31 by means of which it may be alternatively connected to a source of vacuum or air under pressure. indicated diagrammatically by the double headed arrow V/P. as by means of a three-way valve indicated diagrammatically at 32.

An ejector rod 33 is loosely fitted within the tubular plunger 28, the rod being mounted for limited axial movement relative to the plunger by means of slot 34 in the rod 33 which received pin 35 the opposite ends of which extend through the tubular plunger 28. Thus, axial movement of the ejector rod is limited to the length of slot 34. FIG. 1 illustrates the retracted position of the rod in which its uppermost end lies within the confines of the tubular plunger 28, preferably slightly below its uppermost end. The ejector rod 33 is normally biased to its lowermost or retracted position by means of spring 36 extending between the lowermost end of the ejector rod and a mounting pin 37 extending between and secured to the opposite sides of the plunger. The force of the spring 36 is such that it will be expanded to permit the ejector rod to move upwardly within the plunger to its extended position when air under pressure is introduced into the tubular plunger 28 through valve 32.

A first actuating bracket 38 is slidably mounted on the tubular plunger 28 intermediate its opposite ends. the bracket 38 having a first arm 39 to which the vertically disposed pneumatic cylinder 40 is secured. the pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod 41 secured to the undersurface of mounting bracket 15. A second arm 42 projects from first actuating bracket 38 in the opposite direction and mounts a second pneumatic cyl inder 43 having a piston rod 44 secured to the depending arm 45 of a second actuating bracket 46 which is fixedly secured to the plunger 28. Conveniently. the pin 35 which limits the axial movement of ejector rod 33 may project outwardly through second actuating bracket 46 to fixedly secure it to the plunger 28. A limit switch 47 is mounted on the plate 14 toward its lowermost end. the switch 47 having a contact arm 48 mounting a cam roller 49 adapted to be engaged by the cam member 50 secured to first actuating bracket 38. The limit switch 47 is operatively connected by circuit means 47a to a five-way valve SI, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3 which actuates piston rod 44 of pneumatic valve 43, the valve acting to selectively supply air under pressure to the opposite ends of cylinder 43 to move piston rod 44 in opposite directions. Similarly. a limit switch 52, also mounted on plate 14. has a contact arm 53 mounting cam roller 54 positioned to be contacted by cam member 55 secured to second actuating bracket 46. Limit switch 52 is operatively connected by circuit means 52:: to five-way valve 56. as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4. which actuates the piston rod 4] of pneumatic cylinder 40. In addition, limit switch 52 actuates three-way valve 32 through circuit means 52b. also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4. to introduce air under pressure into plunger 28.

In the initial or starting position. the parts are in the position illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein it will be seen that the upper end of tubular plunger 28 projects upwardly within chamber 27. preferably well into the area of sizing sleeve 25. It is at this juncture that a tampon structure in tubular form is inserted into the upper end of chamber 27. The tampon structure is illustrated in FIG. 5, the structure comprising a tubular sack 0r overwrap 57 containing an aggregate 58 of individual and separate pieces of absorbent foam-like material. The aggregate 58 is loosely encased within the overwrap 57 and a withdrawal string 59 is securely attached to one end of the overwrap 57. The construction of the tampon structure as such does not constitute a limitation on the present invention. although preferably it will be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 358.733. filed May 9, I973 and entitled Catamenial Aggregate Absorbent Body." now US. Pat. No. 3.815.601. issued June II. 1974. The tampon structure will be loosely placed in the chamber 27 with its distal end 60 seated on the open upper end of tubular plunger 28. If the tampon structure includes a gathered end closure 61 at its distal end, it is preferred that such gathered portion be inserted in the open upper end of the tubular plunger 28 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6. The initial placement of the tampon structure may be by hand or by mechanical means.

At the time the tampon structure is initially placed in the chamber 27, the three-way valve 32 is positioned to cause a vacuum to be drawn on tubular plunger 28, thereby causing the open upper end of the plunger to effectively engage and grip the distal end 60 of the tam pon structure, including the gathered end 61, if such end is present. Preferably the vacuum will be drawn on the plunger 28 prior to the placement of the tampon structure, although the vacuum sources may be activated subsequent to the initial placement of the tampon structure. being activated simultaneously with the initiation of movement of the tubular plunger 28. It is also preferred that no vacuum be drawn on chamber 27 until movement of the plunger is initiated. In this connection, suitable actuating means, indicated for purposes of illustration as start button 62, will be actuated to initiate the sequential operation of the device. Upon actuation of the start button 62, valve 63, which is connected to start button 62 through circuit means 62:: as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3, will be opened to draw a vacuum on chamber 27, through conduit 20, and at the same time start switch 62, acting through circuit means 62/; diagrammatically shown in FIG. 4, will cause air under pressure to be introduced into pneumatic cylinder through valve 56 to cause piston rod 41 to be extended. The piston rod 41, being fixed to bracket [5, acts to move the entire pneumatic cylinder assembly 40 downwardly; and since the cylinder 40 is mounted on arm 39 forming a part of first actuating bracket 38 which is operatively connected to the tubular plunger 28 through arm 42, piston rod 44, and arm 45 of the second actuating bracket 46 which is pinned to the tubular plunger. the plunger 28 will be moved downwardly, the parts assuming the position illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. Such movement causes the tampon structure to be drawn downwardly into the lower portion of vacuum chamber 27, the primary pulling force being the vacuum drawn on the chamber 27, with the tubular plunger 28 acting to guide and center the sack during its downward movement. As the sack is seated in the chamber 21, the perforations 26 in the inner sleeve 2l act to expand the tubular overwrap 57 of the tampon structure radially outwardly so as to bring its tubular wall surface into contact with the inner surface of the inner sleeve 21, which is preferably cylindrical. In other words. the relatively limp and flexible tubular sack is squared-up into essentially symmetrical cylindrical configuration, assuming the condition illustrated in FIG. 7. In addition to causing the tubular wall surface of the sack to conform to the cylindrical wall surface of the inner sleeve. the vacuum ports, acting through the porous overwrap 57, also act to draw the pieces of aggregate 58 radially outwardly into contact with the overwrap, thereby forming the aggregate into an essentially annular core which insures substantially uniform distribution of the aggregate throughout the periphery of the overwrap. Such action also lessens the density of the aggregate at the center of the core and effectively promotes the formation of a hollow cavity, indicated at 64, extending longitudinally through the center of the tampon structure.

Referring again to FIG. 2, as the tubular plunger 28 is carried downwardly to its lowermost position, the cam member 50 secured to the first actuating bracket 38 contacts cam roller 49 of limit switch 47, causing such switch to be actuated as the plunger 28 approaches its lowermost position and the tampon struc ture assumes the position illustrated in FIG. 7. Limit switch 47 serves to actuate pneumatic cylinder 43 so as to extend its piston rod 44. Since the piston rod 44 is operatively connected to the tubular plunger 28 through the second actuating bracket 46, upward movement of piston rod 44 causes the tubular plunger 28 to move upwardly through the vacuum chamber 27. At the same time, the switch 47 also acts through circuit means 47!) diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4 to cause valve 56 to be turned on so as to reverse the direction of travel of piston rod 41 of pneumatic cylinder 40. Cylinder 40 thus travels upwardly relative to piston rod 41 carrying with it first actuating bracket 38 and pneumatic cylinder 43. Consequently. the cylinder 43 which is mounted on first actuating bracket 38 is also traveling upward as its piston rod 44 is being extended. This results in movement of the parts toward the ejection position.

As the tubular plunger 28 starts its upward movement toward the ejection position. it initially acts to fold the distal end 60 of the overwrap inwardly into the cavity 64 defined centrally within the tampon structure. FIG. 8 illustrates this action. Thus. as the distal end of the tampon structure is carried upwardly. ap proximately the lower one-half of the wall surface of the overwrap 57 is progressively peeled away from the bottom and wall surface of inner sleeve 21 and folded inwardly and upwardly by the plunger 28. The plunger vacuum remains on during this operation and consequently the upper end of the plunger is in positive cngagement with the distal end of the tampon structure. Vacuum is also maintained in the chamber 27, resulting in an essentially smooth and uniform peeling away of the lower portion of the overwrap from the wall surface of the inner sleeve 21.

As the tubular plunger continues its upward movement, the inward folding of the distal end of the tampon structure continues until contact is made with the opposite end of the tampon structure. c.g., the end carrying the withdrawal string 59, whereupon formation of the rosette is completed as the folded tampon structure is carried upwardly through sizing sleeve 25 and, as the plunger reaches the top of its stroke, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the rosette shaped tampon is completely removed from the confines of chamber 27 but remains seated on the plunger 28. The folding of the tampon structure results in formation of a rosette having an exterior portion 57a and an interior or reentrant portion 57b.

As the tubular plunger 28 approaches the upper limit of its movement, the cam member 55 secured to the second actuating bracket 46 contacts cam roller 54 to actuate limit switch 52. Upon actuation, limit switch 52 actuatcs three-way valve 32 to shut-off the vacuum being drawn on the plunger 28 and cause air under pressure to flow upwardly through the plunger 28. Such compressed air acts against the bottom end of ejector rod 33 to force the rod upwardly against the resistance of spring 36. At the same time, some of the compressed air flows upwardly around the ejector rod. the net effect being to kick the rosette free from the plunger. such action being illustrated in FIG. 10. As the rosette shaped tampon is kicked free from the tubular plunger. it may be either caught by the machine operator or. in the case of a fully automated assembly line. the rosette will be received by suitable mechanical or pneumatic means to advance it to the next succeeding processing station.

Limit switch 52. after a suitable time delay. acts through circuit means 521' diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3 to actuate control valve Sl for cylinder 43 to reverse the direction of movement of piston rod 44. As the piston rod 44 is retracted. it acts through the sec ond actuating bracket 46 to lower the plunger 28 to its initial starting position. which is the position illustrated in FIG. I.

Preferably. the actuation of three-way valve 32 to cause air under pressure to elevate ejector rod 33 will be of extremely short duration 4 on the order of one second whereupon the valve 32 will be returned on its vacuum position. When the air under pressure in the tubular plunger is shut-off. the ejector rod will return to its lower or inoperative position under the influence of spring 36. It is also desirable to shut-off the vacuum to the chamber 27 during the final ejection stage. and the limit switch 52 will also serve this purpose, acting to close valve 63 through circuit means 52d also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3. Desirahly. the vacuum to the chamber 27 will remain off until the next operating cycle of the device is initiated by actuation of the start switch 62.

The magnitude of the vacuum drawn on the tubular plunger 28 and the vacuum chamber 27 will be chosen in accordance with the requirements of use and will be dependent upon the porosity of the overwrap of the tampon structure and nature of the enclosed aggregate. consistent with the objectives of maintaining the upper end of the plunger in gripping engagement with the tampon structure during the forming operations and effecting the radial expansion of the tubular wall surface of the tampon structure and the outward displacement of the enclosed aggregate to facilitate the inward displacement of the distal end of the overwrap.

The completely formed tampon structure as ejected from the device is seen in FIG. ll. Essentially, it has a generally cylindrical body defined by exterior portion 57a and a generally conical re-entrant portion defined by the interior portion 57b. The structure is now ready for subsequently processing such as radial contraction and the insertion of the structure into a tube type inserter. As should now be evident. the instant invention provides means and a method for uniformly and accurately forming an initially tubular sack into an essentially symmetrical rosette shape. including substantially uniform distribution ofthe enclosed aggregate throughout the annular space between the exterior and reentrant portions of the rosette shaped overwrap.

Numerous modifications may be made in the invention without departing from its spirit and purpose. Various modifications have already been set forth. and others will undoubtedly occur to the skilled worker in the art upon reading this specification. For example, it should be readily apparent that other forms of actuating means can be utilized in place of the pneumatic cylinders. including hydraulic cylinders or solenoid type actuators. Various types and kinds of limit switches may be employed, and the various control valves may take different forms. all as is well-known to the worker in the art.

It should also be evident that the pneumatic cylinders can be reversed end to end and that the ejector rod can be actuated by other than pneumatic means. as for example. a solenoid. Alternatively. the device may be used without an ejector rod, relying on the air under pressure to remove the formed rosette from the plunger. If desired. the air under pressure may be eliminated and the rosette removed from the plunger either manually or by external means forming a part of an automated unit.

While the invention will find its primary utility in the formation of tampons of the character described, it should be evident that it may be utilized in the manufacture of other structures wherein it is desired to form an essentially tubular sack into rosette shape. Accordingly. all such alternatives. modifications and variations as fall within the spirit. purpose and scope of the invention are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A device for forming a rosette shaped tampon or like article. comprising an annular chamber having an open top and a closed bottom for receiving a flexible tubular sack containing particulate material to be formed into rosette shape. means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber. a tubular plunger extending axially upwardly through the bottom of said chamber. said plunger being of a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of said annular chamber, means mounting said plunger for axial movement relative to said chamber. means operatively connecting said tubular plunger to a vacuum source. and actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber from a first position of use in which the upper end of the plunger lies within said chamber at a point remote from its closed bottom. to a second position in which the upper end of said plunger is in close proximity to the bottom of said chamber, and to a third position in which the upper end of said plunger projects upwardly beyond the top of said chamber, whereby as the plunger moves from its second to third position. the lowermost half of the sack will be folded inwardly and upwardly to form it into rosette shape.

2. The device claimed in claim 1 including tampon ejecting means operatively connected to said tubular plunger.

3. The device claimed in claim 2 wherein said tam pon ejecting means includes a source of air under pressure, and valve means for selectively switching said plunger from vacuum to pressure.

4. The device claimed in claim 2 wherein said tampon ejecting means includes an ejector rod contained within said tubular plunger, and actuating means for extending said ejector rod beyond the upper end of said plunger when said plunger is in its third position of use.

5. The device claimed in claim 4 wherein the actuating means for extending said ejector rod comprises a source of air under pressure.

6. The device claimed in claim 5 including means for returning said ejector rod from its extended position.

7. The device claimed in claim 6 wherein the means for returning said ejector rod from its extended position comprises a spring normally biasing said ejector rod to its nonextended position.

8. The device claimed in claim 4 including stop means for establishing the extended position of said ejector rod.

9. The device claimed in claim 8 wherein said stop means comprises an elongated slot in said ejector rod and a pin extending through said slot and in engagement with said tubular plunger.

10. The device claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber includes a first plunger moving means operative to move said plunger from its first to its second position of use.

ll. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein said first plunger moving means is a reversible plunger moving means which, when reversed. acts to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position of use. and means operatively connected to said plunger moving means to reverse its movement.

12. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein the actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber also includes a second plunger moving means operative to move said plunger from its second toward its third position of use.

13. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein said first plunger moving means is a reversible plunger moving means which. when reversed, acts to move said plunger from its second toward its third position of use. and means operatively connected to said plunger moving means to reverse its movement. said plunger actuating means also including a second plunger moving means also operative to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position. said first plunger means. upon being reversed. effectively acting to return said plunger to its first position of use and said second plunger means effectively acting to complete movement of said plunger to its third position of use.

14. The device claimed in claim 13 wherein said second plunger moving means also comprises a reversible plunger moving means which. when reversed. acts to move said plunger from its third position of use to its first position of use, and means operatively connected to said second plunger moving means to reverse its movement.

15. The device claimed in claim it) wherein the means mounting said plunger for axial movement relative to the chamber includes a first actuating bracket operatively connected to said plunger, said first plunger moving means comprising a first fluid cylinder having a piston rod movable from a retracted to an extended position. said first fluid cylinder and piston rod extending between and connected to said first actuating bracket at one end and to a fixed support at the other end, whereby movement of said piston rod from one position to the other effects movement of said plunger from its first to second positions of use.

16. The device claimed in claim 15 wherein said first actuating bracket is axially movable relative to said plunger. and wherein said plunger mounting means includes a second actuating bracket fixedly secured to said plunger for axial movement therewith. said plunger actuating means including means connecting said first actuating bracket to said second actuating bracket. whereby said first actuating bracket is operatively connected to said plunger through said second actuating bracket.

17. The device claimed in claim 16 wherein the means connecting said first actuating bracket to said second actuating bracket comprises a second fluid cylinder having a piston rod movable from a retracted to an extended position, said second fluid cylinder and piston rod extending between and connected at one end to said first actuating bracket and at the other end to said second actuating bracket.

18. The device claimed in claim 17 including first and second valve means for selectively introducing fluid under pressure into the opposite ends of said first and second cylinders to extend and retract their respective piston rods, and start switch means operatively con' nected to said first valve means to actuate said first fluid cylinder and piston rod to move said plunger from its first to its second position of use.

19. The device claimed in claim 18 including a first limit switch means operatively connected to said sec ond valve means to actuate the piston rod of said second fluid cylinder to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position of use. said first limit switch means being positioned to be actuated as said plunger reaches its second position of use.

20. The device claimed in claim 19 wherein said first limit switch means is also operatively connected to said first valve means to reverse the direction of movement of the piston rod of said first fluid cylinder as the plunger reaches its second position of use. whereby said plunger is moved in part toward its third position of use by the reverse movement of the piston rod of said first fluid cylinder.

21. The device claimed in claim 20 including a second limit switch means operatively connected to said second valve means to actuate the piston rod of said second fluid cylinder to move said plunger from its third to its first position of use, said second limit switch means being positioned to be actuated as said plunger reaches its third position of use.

22. The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said annular chamber is defined by an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve surrounding said inner sleeve in spaced relation thereto to define an annular space therebetween, said annular space being closed at its top and bottom, the lower portion of said inner sleeve being perforated throughout its periphery, and wherein the means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber comprises a vacuum conduit in communication with said annular space.

23. The device claimed in claim 22 including valve means connected to said vacuum conduit to control the vacuum drawn on said chamber. start switch means to initiate movement of said plunger from its first toward its second position of use, said start switch means being operatively connected to said valve means to open said vacuum conduit to draw vacuum on said chamber upon initiation of movement of said plunger toward its second position of use.

24. The device claimed in claim 23 including additional switch means operatively connected to said valve means to close said vacuum conduit upon movement of said plunger to its third position of use.

25. The device claimed in claim 22 wherein a sizing sleeve is fitted within the upper portion of said inner sleeve.

26. A method for forming a rosette shaped tampon or like article from a flexible closed tubular sack having an elongated tubular body containing a particulate material, which comprises the steps of expanding the tubular body of the sack radially outwardly and maintaining the tubular body in the radially expanded condition, and while so expanded, deflecting an end of the sack inwardly along the longitudinal axis of the sack until approximately one-half of its tubular body is folded inwardly to form an exterior portion and a re-cntrant inner portion.

27. The method claimed in claim 26 wherein the radial expansion of the tubular body is effected by drawing a vacuum on the external surface thereon.

28. The method claimed in claim 26 including the step of displacing the enclosed particulate material toward the expanded tubular body of the sack to promote the formation of a centrally disposed longitudinal cav ity into which the end of the sack is displaced.

29. The method claimed in claim 28 wherein the tubular body of the sack is porous and wherein the displacement of the enclosed particulate material is effected by drawing a vacuum thereon through the tubular body of the sack.

30. The method claimed in claim 26 including the steps of providing a cylindrical chamber having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the tubular body of the sack when in radially expanded condition, inserting the sack into the chamber in unexpanded condition. and effecting radial expansion of its tubular body while contained within the chamber.

31. The method claimed in claim 30 including the steps of initially inserting the sack only partially within said chamber, and thereafter applying vacuum to the sack to draw it completely into said chamber.

32. The method claimed in claim 30 including the steps of deflecting the end of the sack inwardly while contained with said chamber and thereafter ejecting the folded sack from the cylinder from the end of the cylinder opposite the folded end of the sack.

33. The method claimed in claim 32 including the steps of providing a plunger axially movable within the chamber along the longitudinal axis of said chamber. and effecting the folding of the sack and its ejection from said chamber by axial movement of the plunger in one direction.

34. The method claimed in claim 33 wherein the plunger is a hollow tube having an open end in engagement with the end of the sack being folded. including the step of drawing a vacuum on the sack through the plunger during the folding and ejection steps.

35. The method claimed in claim 34 including the step of striking the sack from its folded end to displace it from the plunger upon ejection from said chamber.

36. The method claimed in claim 35 including the step of applying air under pressure through said plunger as an incident of displacing the folded sack from the plunger.

37. a device for forming a tubular sack into rosette shape comprising a chamber having an annular wall surface and a closed bottom. a tubular plunger extending upwardly through the center of said chamber, actutit ating means for effecting axial movement of said plunger relative to said chamber from a lower to an upper position, and means for releasably holding a tubular sack inserted in said chamber in contact with its annular wall surface, whereby upon axial movement of said plunger from its lower to its upper position, the lowermost half of the sack will be folded inwardly and upwardly to form it into rosette shape.

38. The device claimed in claim 37 wherein the lower portion at least of the annular wall surface of said chamber is perforated, and wherein the means for releasably holding a tubular sack in contact with the annular wall surface of said chamber comprises means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber through the perforations in said annular wall surface.

39. The device claimed in claim 38 wherein the means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber includes valve means for selectively starting and stopping the vacuum drawn on said chamber.

40. The device claimed in claim 37 including ejecting means for removing the sack from the tubular plunger subsequent to its formation into rosette shape.

41. The device claimed in claim 40 wherein said ejecting means includes means for introducing air under pressure into said tubular plunger for discharge through the upper end thereof.

42. The device claimed in claim 41 wherein said ejecting means also includes an ejector rod in said tubular plunger mounted for axial movement from a retracted to an extended position. said rod being movable from the retracted to the extended position by the air under pressure introduced into said tubular plunger.

43. The device claimed in claim 37 including means for drawing a vacuum on said tubular plunger.

44. The device claimed in claim 37 including means for selectively drawing a vacuum on said tubular member and for introducing air under pressure into said tubular member.

45. The device claimed in claim 37 wherein the actuating means for said tubular plunger includes means for moving said plunger from an intermediate position to the lower position and return, and also means for moving said plunger from the intermediate to the upper position and return, said last named means coacting to jointly move said plunger from the lower to the upper position. 

1. A device for forming a rosette shaped tampon or like article, comprising an annular chamber having an open top and a closed bottom for receiving a flexible tubular sack containing particulate material to be formed into rosette shape, means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber, a tubular plunger extending axially upwardly through the bottom of said chamber, said plunger being of a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of said annular chamber, means mounting said plunger for axial movement relative to said chamber, means operatively connecting said tubular plunger to a vacuum source, and actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber from a first position of use in which the upper end of the plunger lies within said chamber at a point remote from its closed bottom, to a second position in which the upper end of said plunger is in close proximity to the bottom of said chamber, and to a third position in which the upper end of said plunger projects upwardly beyond the top of said chamber, whereby as the plunger moves from its second to third position, the lowermost half of the sack will be folded inwardly and upwardly to form it into rosette shape.
 2. The device claimed in claim 1 including tampon ejecting means operatively connected to said tubular plunger.
 3. The device claimed in claim 2 wherein said tampon ejecting means includes a source of air under pressure, and valve means for selectively switching said plunger from vacuum to pressure.
 4. The device claimed in claim 2 wherein said tampon ejecting means includes an ejector rod contained within said tubular plunger, and actuating means for extending said ejector rod beyond the upper end of said plunger when said plunger is in its third position of use.
 5. The device claimed in claim 4 wherein the actuating means for extending said ejector rod comprises a source of air under pressure.
 6. The device claimed in claim 5 including means for returning said ejector rod from its extended position.
 7. The device claimed in claim 6 wherein the means for returning said ejector rod from its extended position comprises a spring normally biasing said ejector rod to its nonextended position.
 8. The device claimed in claim 4 including stop means for establishing the extended position of said ejector rod.
 9. The device claimed in claim 8 wherein said stop means comprises an elongated slot in said ejector rod and a pin extending through said slot and in engagement with said tubular plunger.
 10. The device claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber includes a first plunger moving means operative to move said plunger from its first to its second position of use.
 11. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein said first plunger moving means is a reversible plunger moving means which, when reversed, acts to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position of use, and means operatively connected to said plunger moving means to reverse its movement.
 12. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein the actuating means for sequentially effecting relative movement between said plunger and said chamber also includes a second plunger moving means operative to move said plunger from its second toward its third position of use.
 13. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein said first plunger moving means is a reversible plunger moving means which, when reversed, acts to move said plunger from its second toward its third position of use, and means operatively connected to said plunger moving means to reverse its movement, said plunger actuating means also including a second plunger moving means also operative to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position, said first plunger means, upon being reversed, effectively acting to return said plunger to its first position of use and said second plunger means effectively acting to complete movement of said plunger to its third position of use.
 14. The device claimed in claim 13 wherein said second plunger moving means also comprises a reversible plunger moving means which, when reversed, acts to move said plunger from its third position of use to its first position of use, and means operatively connected to said second plunger moving means to reverse its movement.
 15. The device claimed in claim 10 wherein the means mounting said plunger for axial movement relative to the chamber includes a first actuating bracket operatively connected to said plunger, said first plunger moving means comprising a first fluid cylinder having a piston rod movable from a retracted to an extended position, said first fluid cylinder and piston rod extending between and connected to said first actuating bracket at one end and to a fixed support at the other end, whereby movement of said piston rod from one position to the other effects movement of said plunger from its first to second positions of use.
 16. The device claimed in claim 15 wherein said first actuating bracket is axially movable relative to said plunger, and wherein said plunger mounting means includes a second actuating bracket fixedly secured to said plunger for axial movement therewith, said plunger actuating means including means connecting said first actuating bracket to said second actuating bracket, whereby said first actuating bracket is operatively connected to said plunger through said second actuating bracket.
 17. The device claimed in claim 16 wherein the means connecting said first actuating bracket to said second actuating bracket comprises a second fluid cylinder having a piston rod movable from a retracted to an extended position, said second fluid cylinder and piston rod extending between and connected at one end to said first actuating bracket and at the other end to said second actuating bracket.
 18. The device claimed in claim 17 including first and second valve means for selectively introducing fluid under pressure into the opposite ends of said first and second cylinders to extend and retract their respective piston rods, and start switch means operatively connected to said first valve means to actuate said first fluid cylinder and piston rod to move said plunger from its first to its second position of use.
 19. The device claimed in claim 18 including a first limit switch means operatively connected to said second valve means to actuate the piston rod of said second fluid cylinder to move said plunger from its second position of use toward its third position of use, said first limit switch means being positioned to be actuated as said plunger reaches its second position of use.
 20. The device claimed in claim 19 wherein said first limit switch means is also operatively connected to said first valve means to reverse the direction of movement of the piston rod of said first fluid cylinder as the plunger reaches its second position of use, whereby said plunger is moved in part toward its third position of use by the reverse movement of the piston rod of said first fluid cylinder.
 21. The device claimed in claim 20 including a second limit switch means operatively connected to said second valve means to actuate the piston rod of said second fluid cylinder to move said plunger from its third to its first position of use, said second limit switch means being positioned to be actuated as said plunger reaches its third position of use.
 22. The device claimed in claim 1 wherein said annular chamber is defined by an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve surrounding said inner sleeve in spaced relation thereto to define an annular space therebetween, said annular space being closed at its top and bottom, the lower portion of said inner sleeve being perforated throughout its periphery, and wherein the means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber comprises a vacuum conduit in communication with said annular space.
 23. The device claimed in claim 22 including valve means connected to said vacuum conduit to control the vacuum drawn on said chamber, start switch means to initiate movement of said plunger from its first toward its second position of use, said start switch means being operatively connected to said valve means to open said vacuum conduit to draw vacuum on said chamber upon initiation of movement of said plunger toward its second position of use.
 24. The device claimed in claim 23 including additional switch means operatively connected to said valve means to close said vacuum conduit upon movement of said plunger to its third position of use.
 25. The device claimed in claim 22 wherein a sizing sleeve is fitted within the upper portion of said inner sleeve.
 26. A method for forming a rosette shaped tampon or like article from a flexible closed tubular sack having an elongated tubular body containing a particulate material, which comprises the steps of expanding the tubular body of the sack radially outwardly and maintaining the tubular body in the radially expanded condition, and while so expanded, deflecting an end of the sack inwardly along the longitudinal axis of the sack until approximately one-half of its tubular body is folded inwardly to form an exterior portion and a re-entrant inner portion.
 27. The method claimed in claim 26 wherein the radial expansion of the tubular body is effected by drawing a vacuum on the external surface thereon.
 28. The method claimed in claim 26 including the step of displacing the enclosed particulate material toward the expanded tubular body of the sack to promote the formation of a centrally disposed longitudinal cavity into which the end of the sack is displaced.
 29. The method claimed in claim 28 wherein the tubular body of the sack is porous and wherein the displacement of the enclosed particulate material is effected by drawing a vacuum thereon through the tubular body of the sack.
 30. The method claimed in claim 26 including the steps of providing a cylindrical chamber having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the tubular body of the sack when in radially expanded condition, inserting the sack into the chamber in unexpanded condition, and effecting radial expansion of its tubular body while contained within the chamber.
 31. The method claimed in claim 30 including the steps of initially inserting the sack only partially within said chamber, and thereafter applying vacuum to the sack to draw it completely into said chamber.
 32. The method claimed in claim 30 including the steps of deflecting the end of the sack inwardly while contained with said chamber and thereafter ejecting the folded sack from the cylinder from the end of the cylinder opposite the folded end of the sack.
 33. The method claimed in claim 32 including the steps of providing a plunger axially movable within the chamber along the longitudinal axis of said chamber, and effecting the folding of the sack and its ejection from said chamber by axial movement of the plunger in one direction.
 34. The method claimed in claim 33 wherein the plunger is a hollow tube having an open end in engagement with the end of the sack being folded, including the step of drawing a vacuum on the sack through the plunger during the folding and ejection steps.
 35. The method claimed in claim 34 including the step of striking the sack from its folded end to displace it from the plunger upon ejection from said chamber.
 36. The method claimed in claim 35 including the step of applying air under pressure through said plunger as an incident of displacing the folded sack from the plunger.
 37. a device for forming a tubular sack into rosette shape comprising a chamber having an annular wall surface and a closed bottom, a tubular plunger extending upwardly through the center of said chamber, actuating means for effecting axial movement of said plunger relative to said chamber from a lower to an upper position, and means for releasably holding a tubular sack inserted in said chamber in contact with its annular wall surface, whereby upon axial movement of said plunger from its lower to its upper position, the lowermost half of the sack will be folded inwardly and upwardly to form it into rosette shape.
 38. The device claimed in claim 37 wherein the lower portion at least of the annular wall surface of said chamber is perforated, and wherein the means for releasably holding a tubular sack in contact with the annular wall surface of said chamber comprises means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber through the perforations in said annular wall surface.
 39. The device claimed in claim 38 wherein the means for drawing a vacuum on said chamber includes valve means for selectively starting and stopping the vacuum drawn on said chamber.
 40. The device claimed in claim 37 including ejecting means for removing the sack from the tubular plunger subsequent to its formation into rosette shape.
 41. The device claimed in claim 40 wherein said ejecting means includes means for introducing air under pressure into said tubular plunger for discharge through the upper end thereof.
 42. The device claimed in claim 41 wherein said ejecting means also includes an ejector rod in said tubular plunger mounted for axial movement from a retracted to an extended position, said rod being movable from the retracted to the extended position by the air under pressure introduced into said tubular plunger.
 43. The device claimed in claim 37 including means for drawing a vacuum on said tubular plunger.
 44. The device claimed in claim 37 including means for selectively drawing a vacuum on said tubular member and for introducing air under pressure into said tubular member.
 45. The device claimed in claim 37 wherein the actuating means for said tubular plunger includes means for moving said plunger from an intermediate position to the lower position and return, and also means for moving said plunger from the intermediate to the upper position and return, said last named means coacting to jointly move said plunger from the lower to the upper position. 